Re-barrelling a No4 Mk1(T)

[ovenpaa]

I have a No4 Mk1(T) built in 1943 and FTR'd in the 1950's I have a slight mark in the chamber which always shows itself on fired cases, just a very slight mark but I can see it so it does make me wonder how the rifle has been stored at some point plus accuracy is fairly average so is it worth re-barrelling. My personal view is rifles are for shooting not polishing and my 4(T) is no different, also Fultons have some new Walther barrels with SAAMI spec chambers which could make quite an impact on accuracy.

The thing is should this be done to a 4(T) or should it be left as original as possible?

[Watcher]

Difficult one :|

Original 4T's are a finite resource. My inclination would be to keep any Enfield in the condition it left military service in (i.e. including any FTR etc.). That said I did put a long butt on my SMLE but then I have all the original fit so I could swap it all back.

On the other hand what's the point if we just mothball all old rifles as museum pieces; I can't decide sorry...

[Dougan]

Hmmm, sounds like a lot of hassle (and cost) to me - I tell you what...I'll give you a couple of hundred quid for it, so you can recoup some of your costs :)

[rox]

Can't you simply fit a new barrel and retain the old one, so that it could be reverted to original condition?

Best of both worlds if it's possible.

..

[Tower75]

For what my opinion is worth, I would leave the No4T "as is". True No4Ts are quite rare now. My view is to leave it "as original"

[lapua338]

Rebarrel the damn thing!

What's the point in possessing it if you're not going to shoot it and/or it's accuracy is mediocre?

[ovenpaa]

A good mix of options and replies then, does anyone have a view on just how accurate a No4 Mk1 with a new barrel with SAAMI .303 chamber might be?

[Tower75]

I'm guessing you cannot polish the mark out of the chamber? I've got a mate/RFD who's main focuss is Enfields. He could probably suggest something. I could ask him/give you his details if you like.

[bnz41]

Hi,

If you want to shoot it re-barrel, if you just want to look and polish it leave well alone. I have a No4 that was a 2 grove, could not hit the side of a barn with it, also head space issue. Took it to Fultons they fitted a new 5 grove barrel and new bolt head, hits what I aim at out to over 800, and no head space problem. I'm a shooter not a collecter..

[Dougan]

A good mix of options and replies then, does anyone have a view on just how accurate a No4 Mk1 with a new barrel with SAAMI .303 chamber might be?

The accuracy would then only be restricted by the rear-locking bolt and simple trigger.

There is only one way to find out - and as has already been said...if you keep the original barrel, it can always be restored...